Page 99 of Stolen Dreams

I may have put us in this precarious position, but I want Tucker returned safely too. If he is hurt—or worse—I will never forgive myself.

Ray bolts up from the ground and shoves a hand in his hair. “I can’t just fucking sit here,” he barks as he paces the walkway. “Being here accomplishes nothing. I should be on the road, searching the sidewalks and scanning cars.” His hands fall to his sides and curl into tight fists. “Something!”

Travis steps in front of Ray and braces his shoulders. “You’re in no state to drive.”

Ray twists out of his hold and waves a hand toward his family. “Then one of them can drive. I don’t give a fuck, Emerson.”

“I’ll drive you,” Abigail offers.

Momentary relief washes over Ray’s face. “Thank you.”

“We’ll stay here in case he shows up or someone has more information,” Angel states.

It’s her words that stir life into my body. I rise from the bench and cross to where they’re grouped together. Ray sneers at me and it twists my insides.

He’ll never forgive me, but at least I can do this one thing.

“No, Angel.” I shake my head. “You and RJ should be out there looking, too. I’ll stay here. If I see or hear anything, I’ll call immediately.”

“Yeah, you should be the one to stay,” Ray snarls. “Your damn fault we left the house in the first place.”

I take every verbal lashing without protest. He’s hurt, angry, terrified, and I am the person who nudged him to let down his guard. Today’s outing is one hundred percent on my shoulders. I accept it.

“I know, and I’m so very sorry.”

Angel shakes her head. “No one here is at fault.” She faces her son. “You have a right to live a worry-free life. So does Tucker.” She shifts her attention to me, a sympathetic smile on her face. “And you are not to blame for someone else’s heinous behavior.” Leaning closer to me, she lowers her voice and repeats, “It’s not your fault.”

Her words hold a modicum of truth, but I don’t dare voice it. Now is not the time or place. And saying as much won’t lessen my guilt. Nothing will except Tucker’s safe return and Ray’s forgiveness.

“Let’s go!” Ray shouts as he sprints for his car.

When he is out of earshot, Angel asks, “Do you have my number?”

I shake my head.

She takes out her phone and asks for my number. I rattle it off and she sends me a quick text. “I’ll keep you updated, and you do the same.”

The backs of my eyes burn, an emotional lump thick in my throat as I slowly nod. “Promise I will.”

Reaching for my hand, she takes it and gives a gentle squeeze. “Once Tucker’s back and safe, he’ll cool off.” Her eyes dart between mine, a softness in her gaze. “Just give him time.”

Before I’m able to contradict her, she turns and walks off. After a quick exchange with the officers, Angel and Ray Jr. head for their car and drive away.

All but one officer leaves, her sunglasses-covered eyes scanning every inch of the parking lot and person that passes.

I dig through my bag for my phone, unlock it, and add Angel to my contacts. Then I open the group chat with my parents and siblings and type out a brief recap of what’s happened. Considering my family has no idea Ray and I have been dating, I’m about to open the door to Pandora’s Box.

Was out with Ray Calhoun and his son, Tucker. If you haven’t heard yet, Tucker is missing. Please keep an eye out and spread the word. Please don’t ask questions about me and Ray. Not now. I’ll tell you everything soon. Let me know of any updates. I love you.

Unease swirls in my belly as I stare at the sent message. Mentally, I prepare for an onslaught of questions but know my parents will hold off.

The screen dims then brightens as a breath-stealing alarm blares from my phone. My stomach pitches then plummets as I read the notification.

AMBER Alert

Stone Bay, WA AMBER Alert: Child Abduction Emergency

White male, 9 years old, Tucker Dean Calhoun, possibly in the company of a 30-year-old woman, Brianna Werner and other unknown subject(s). Last seen at Stone Bay Strikers Bowling Alley at 3:47p.m. PST. Dark hair, hazeleyes, approximately 4’0” in height, blue shirt, denim shorts, bowling shoes. No identifiable vehicle.

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